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"Rude" is an adjective which is often translated as "maleducado", and "tacky" is an adjective which is often translated as "pegajoso". Learn more about the difference between "rude" and "tacky" below.
rude(
rud
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (impolite)
b. grosero
Laura made some rude remarks about my weight.Laura hizo unos comentarios groseros sobre mi peso.
3. (primitive)
b. burdo
There was a rude wooden shelter in the forest.Había un refugio burdo de madera en el bosque.
c. rudimentario
The metate is a rude stone implement used for grinding corn.El metate es un implemento rudimentario que se usa para moler el maíz.
4. (shocking)
a. desagradable
Seeing the destruction left behind by the hurricane was a rude shock.Ver la destrucción que había dejado el huracán fue un golpe desagradable.
a. rebosante
The secret to his rude health is to start the day with a long walk.El secreto de su salud rebosante es empezar el día con una caminata larga.
tacky(
tah
-
ki
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (sticky)
a. pegajoso
Don't walk on the floor just yet. The varnish is still tacky.No camines por el piso. El barniz todavía está pegajoso.
2. (colloquial) (in poor taste)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. de mal gusto
I think it's really tacky to ask for money toward your honeymoon on a wedding invitation.Yo creo que es de muy mal gusto pedir plata para tu luna de miel en las invitaciones a la boda.
c. vulgar
His birthday present to her was a BMW tied up in a huge pink ribbon - so tacky!Para su cumpleaños le regaló un BMW atado con una enorme cinta rosada. ¡Qué vulgar!
d. hortera (colloquial) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
The shelves in their living room are full of tacky souvenirs brought back from vacations.Los estantes de su living están llenos de recuerdos horteras que trajeron de sus vacaciones.
e. mersa (colloquial) (person) (River Plate)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
I hope he doesn't bring that tacky girlfriend of his. She giggles and simpers the whole time.Espero que no venga con esa novia mersa que tiene. No hace más que reírse como tonta.
f. naco (colloquial) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
That store sells tacky clothes.Esa tienda vende ropa naca.
